Garbanzo-Spinach Stew

Chickpeas and spinach are ubiquitous ingredients for the plant-based–but this recipe is special. The flavors are on point and the chopped almonds add the perfect crunch. I like to serve it with a dollop of cashew sour cream, so I’ve included that recipe too.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Print Recipe

Spanish Chickpeas and Spinach

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Spanish, Vegan
Servings: 0

Ingredients

Spanish Chickpeas and Spinach

  • 1 large bag spinach
  • ½ cup almonds chopped fine
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 can chickpeas drained
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup tomato sauce

Cashew Sour Cream

  • 1 ½ cups raw cashews soaked
  • ¾ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Spanish Garbanzo Beans & Spinach

  • In a large non-stick skillet, cook the spinach with two tablespoons of water until just wilted. Transfer to a bowl.
  • Add the garlic to the skillet with a teaspoon of water. Sweat it for about five minutes over very low heat.
  • Add the almonds, spices, and salt. Stir and cook about three more minutes until the almonds are golden. Add to the spinach.
  • In the skillet, sauté the onion and pepper. Add chickpeas, tomato sauce, and ½ cup water. Simmer about ten minutes.
  • Add the almond mixture and wilted spinach to the chickpeas, and simmer another five minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more cayenne if you like spicy.

Cashew Sour Cream

  • If you don't have a high-speed blender, place the cashews in a bowl, cover with water, and soak eight hours.
  • Drain the cashews. Place them in a high-speed blender. Add the water, lemon juice, vinegar, and salt. Blend until very smooth.

Notes

The sour cream recipe makes about two cups, and can be frozen.
Serve the Spanish garbanzos over rice. 

Creamy Mushroom Soup

As a kid, my favorite soup, because of the mushroom bits. This version has lots more!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Print Recipe

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Course: Soup
Cuisine: Vegan
Servings: 0 people

Equipment

  • blender

Ingredients

  • 1 pound mushrooms cremini or button or other
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • ¼ cup white wine or sherry optional
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cashews soaked about an hour
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • In a soup pot, sauté the onion for 3 minutes until soft.
  • Add the garlic and cook another minute.
  • Chop the mushrooms, add to the pot and cook about 3 more minutes.
  • Add the white wine, vegetable broth, and herbs, cover and bring to a simmer.
  • Drain the cashews and add to a blender with 1/2 cup water. Blend until creamy.
  • Whisk the cashew cream into the pot. Simmer another 20 minutes to develop flavors.
  • Add salt to taste.

Mushroom Ragu with Polenta

Elegant and hearty.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Print Recipe

Mushroom Stew over Polenta

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Vegan
Servings: 0

Ingredients

  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup white wine or the juice of a lemon
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon sage chopped (or 1 teaspoon dry)
  • 1 tablespoon thyme or 1 teaspoon dry
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 pound mushrooms sliced
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon corn starch dissolved in 2 Tbs water
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped, for garnish

Polenta

  • 1 cup corn meal medium or fine
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups water

Instructions

Polenta

  • Whisk the corn meal and salt into cold water. Bring to a boil, stirring. It will thicken.
  • Cook over low heat about 20 minutes, stirring every 4-5 minutes. Add 1/2 to 1 cup more water if it gets too thick.

Mushroom Stew

  • Sauté the onion for a couple minutes, adding a bit of water if it sticks.
  • Add the garlic, and cook another minute.
  • Add the wine and let it cook away.
  • Add the tomato paste, herbs, and mushrooms. Sauté a few minutes, then add the vegetable broth and soy sauce.
  • Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Dissolve the cornstarch in two tablespoons of water and whisk it into the stew. Stir and cook 2-3 minutes until the stew thickens.
  • Dish out a cup of polenta into an individual plate, and spoon the mushroom stew over it. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.